As fantasy managers prepare for Week 9, three NFL backfields are in flux across Arizona, Las Vegas, and New York, while trade speculation surrounds Jonathan Taylor in Indianapolis. The waiver wire could be exceptionally busy at running back, with additional streaming options at quarterback, wide receiver, and tight end.
Running Backs
Mike Washington Jr. (64% rostered) emerged as the Raiders' lead back in Week 8, playing 60% of snaps ahead of Ashton Jeanty and totaling 25 carries for 83 yards. He faces San Francisco in Week 9 and is worth at least 10% of remaining FAAB. In Arizona, Tyler Allgeier (47% rostered) dominated Dallas with 11 carries for 147 yards and two touchdowns after injuries to Jeremiyah Love (ankle, placed on IR) and Zonovan Knight (concussion). Allgeier is a flex option against Seattle, though Knight (55% rostered) may be the better long-term add. The Giants' Devin Singletary (16% rostered) could start with Cam Skattebo (hamstring) and Tyrone Tracy Jr. (hamstring, IR) sidelined, making him a flex in all leagues. If Taylor is traded, Colts rookie Seth McGowan (56% rostered) would become a flex candidate against Dallas.
Quarterbacks
Malik Willis (41% rostered) enters a favorable four-game stretch starting against Detroit and is worth up to 5% FAAB. Bo Nix (61% rostered) has scored over 23 fantasy points in consecutive weeks and faces Carolina before a bye. J.J. McCarthy (24% rostered) looked comfortable in his first start and has a soft upcoming schedule. Gardner Minshew (rostered in Superflex leagues) takes over for Arizona after throwing three touchdowns in a half against Dallas.
Wide Receivers
Antonio Williams (49% rostered) and Treylon Burks (12% rostered) stepped up for Washington with Terry McLaurin (knee) out. Makai Lemon (59% rostered) has scored at least 11.7 PPR points in two games with DeVonta Smith and Dontayvion Wicks sidelined for Philadelphia. Ryan Flournoy (37% rostered) has topped 11 PPR points in four straight games for Dallas. Adonai Mitchell (17% rostered) erupted for 27.2 PPR points against the Raiders and should be rostered in all leagues.
Tight Ends
Greg Dulcich (16% rostered) faces a Lions defense allowing the most fantasy points to tight ends and has scored at least 8.3 PPR points in two straight games. Mike Gesicki (64% rostered) has caught a touchdown in five consecutive games and is a low-end starter against Atlanta. Chigoziem Okonkwo (35% rostered) is a stash candidate with a favorable schedule after Week 9.
Defense/special teams streamers include the Giants (at Philadelphia), Chiefs (vs. Jets), and 49ers (vs. Raiders). Kicker streamers are Matt Gay (at San Francisco), Dominic Zvada (at Philadelphia), and Nick Folk (vs. Cincinnati).
